A FRENCH BRONZE GROUP ENTITLED 'CHEVAL SURPRIS PAR UN LION' (HORSE ATTACKED BY A LION)

In Cheval surpris par un lion, Barye has modified and re-used both the central horse and lion that appear in his 1838 model, Deux cavaliers arabes tuant un lion. In the first version of the work, edited around 1850, the supporting role of the tree stump is emphasised by its thickness and verticality. In this second version, first offered in Barye's 1857 catalogue, the angle of the stump has been altered, its girth reduced and an off-shoot branch connecting with the base added.